Sitting Versus Lifespan

Several weeks ago, the American Journal of Epidemiology published a study entitled "Leisure Time Spent Sitting in Relation to Total Mortality in a Prospective Cohort of US Adults."A shortened title might have read, "The More You Sit, the More You Die." As might be expected, it rippled through the wire services. And why not? It offered catchy headlines and high shock value -- just what the media craves these days during the decline of investigative journalism and the rise of wire service paraphrasing. Check out some of the headlines:  Check it out

Secrets of the 'Magic' Antidepressant

Researchers describe secrets of 'magic' antidepressant




Yale researchers have discovered how a novel anti-depressant can take effect in hours, rather than the weeks or months usually required for most drugs currently on the market. The findings, described in the August 20 issue of the journal Science, should speed development of a safe and easy-to-administer form of the anti-depressant ketamine, which has already proven remarkably effective in treating severely depressed patients.

Eat Berries for Brain Health

Berries beneficial for brains




If humans are anything like rats, scientists at Tufts University in Boston may be on the road to discovering the fountain of youth for the human brain.

Eating Berries Helps With Brain's Natural Housekeeping

Eating berries may activate the brain's natural housekeeper for healthy aging




Scientists today reported the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. Their study, presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), concluded that berries, and possibly walnuts, activate the brain's natural "housekeeper" mechanism, which cleans up and recycles toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other mental decline.

Genome-Wide Study Identifies Factors That May Affect Vit D Levels

Genome-wide study identifies factors that may affect vitamin D levels




An international research consortium has identified four common gene variants that are associated with blood levels of vitamin D and with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. The report from the SUNLIGHT consortium - involving investigators from six countries - will appear in The Lancet and is receiving early online release.